After a dreary summer marred by the fight over government borrowing, rank-and-file Democrats say they are growing more optimistic about President Barack Obama’s political prospects in 2012. They cite his tougher, more populist tone and what they view as a chaotic primary fight among Republicans……

Debbie Dingell, a DNC member and the wife of Michigan Rep. John Dingell, said many Democrats long have recognized the headwinds facing them next year and are working to organize voters in the most effective way.

“It’s going to be a tough year and because of that, they’re not kidding themselves that this isn’t going to be challenging and they’re prepared for a tough fight,” she said.

President Obama and his family attended church services today, and the president received some political sympathy from the pulpit.

At one point, the Rev. Luis Leon of St. John’s Episcopal Church spoke of the expectations placed on Obama when he came into office. Many unfairly expected a messiah that could cure the U.S. of all its problems, and now we see it’s not that easy. “This is not a political diatribe by the way. It’s simply stating the obvious,” he said, sparking laughter among the congregation

While looking at the video, I’m amazed at the decorum and behavior of these two little girls who’s life is constantly under a microscope because of their father’s career choice. Imagine having a video camera follow you everywhere and the constant sound of camera’s clicking away at your every move. It is a testament to their grounded parents that these girls can smile and behave so well.

Turn on the radio here and you’re going to get a taste of how hard Mitt Romney is working to stamp out Newt Gingrich’s support with conservatives.

In a new radio ad launched by the Romney campaign in Iowa last week, Romney turns to conservative fire-breather Ann Coulter to make the case that he’s the most electable candidate in the Republican race. Having made a living off saying things that no politician would likely wish to be closely associated with, it’s an interesting choice — and a sign that Romney is going all out to cast himself as the more pure conservative choice to Gingrich.

To recruit a racist like Coulter – “Our Blacks Are Better Than Your Blacks” – shows how desperate Willard is. He keeps shooting himself in the foot because if he ever survives and becomes the nominee, this will bite him in the ass in the general. Keep fucking that Chicken Willard.

Oooo la la Mrs Obama looks stunning!!!!! Malia is shining in that lovely yellow :) what a pretty young lady. Love Sasha’s princess dress..yes Sasha you’re the sweetest little princess ever! It would be nice to see PBO in a different color suit once in a while but he’s always handsome so no complaints ;)

Awwwwww I love the pic of PBO high five the little boy. I just love to see him with kids :). Michelle Obama you are soooooooo damn beautiful with a lovely sense of style!!!!!!!!!!! PBO you got to me over the top standing next to three gorgeous women!!!!! Marian Robinson is missing this year? I guess she’s with her son?

Oh my gooooooooooooooooosh! Every freaking time FLOTUS knocks it out of the park. Every freaking time! She looks really really really gorgeous. The whole family is a walking fashion statement. The little elves are just precious

Football is pissing me off tonight. It’s bleeding into 60 minutes time, which means I’ll have to be flipping back and forth between 60 minutes and HGTV’s behind the scenes footage of the WH at christmas time at 8PM ET tonight. Hmmph.

How absolutely sweet and adorable our First Family and the elves are, sharing this season together. They reach out so much to everyone in their surroundings.

Looking forward to 60 Minutes tonight with PBO.

Also, tomorrow, Prime Minister al-Maliki will be at the White House. He, Pres Obama & VP Biden will also be laying a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery. This will be a very, very emotional moment, I’m sure.

Anniebella, I am a shoe lover. I love the shoes and the style and color of her dress is very festive and lovely on her as well. We just plain and simply have a gorgeous looking First Family. It just all makes me want to go into a ‘Supper Six’ mood. Great.HZ

Yes she does…such a sweet sweet little face and she looks so cute. Malia looks so grown up and mature beyond her 13yrs. We are truly blessed to have such a lovely first family. I watched the HGTV special, thought we’d see more of FLOTUS. It was a treat to see the WH chefs though.

Steve Kroft came off as an incompetent bumbling idiot, completely in over his head! What an amateur! As usual President Obama was CLASS personified, concise, intelligent and respectful answers whilst calling Steve out when he needed to. What a man! I just LOVE him. I have to confess to wanting to punch the screen at times when that idiot was spouting his drivel though (Kroft – NOT our President!)

I watched it it was excellent Steve is no match for PBO no problems so chill and relax
PBO is just magnifecent he knows when a BS question is coming he just smile, and answer
so cool calm and collected please watch the whole interview PBO is just terrific.

Our First Family is so lovely. I love the colors of the ladies. The children are always so cute, and they light up our beautiful First Lady’s face as well as that multi-million dollar face of our President, Barack Obama. We are so blessed!!! HZ

I was yelling at the TV…what a bought and paid for tool he is. Seriously…PBO didn’t let the lies stand. Krofft was just a veritable plethora of RW talking points. How original, and totally expected. Nice job, Mr. President. And just so you know…we’re NOT disappointed!

Do y’all think it’s risky for the president to simply acknowledge that there are people who do not want him as president, they do not want him to succeed, and that is the missing ingredient in our recovery??

I hear you. I just think the truth needs to come out. We have one political party that is hell bent on saying no to everything and then nay-saying and spreading their bile all over the airwaves at the same time. They are spreading malaise. That’s the problem.

The only difference is that Rosa Parks and MLK Jr. were activists. He is a president of a major country. We have got to get it together and I think we need a mass education of the people that they need to abandon the GOP in order for things to get better. They are not a governing party right now – they are a gang seeking power for a few. The can only be defeated if we as a nation STOP rewarding them with our votes. I think part of stopping people from voting for them is by telling folks what’s up.

Yes! Stop rewarding them with any votes and hoping they’ll come to their senses in office. Even former reasonable Republicans like Snowe an Collins have gone over to the dark side with McConnell and his #1 objective.

The people that PBO is talking about are the GOP and the PL and yes He is the President
and has to be honest no matter what the subject Steve was talking about the GOP/TEAPARTY.
However do not trust the MSM they will never tell us the truth, Obama has a terrific ground game
I will not worried PBO is very very good.

I’m really not liking this dude, with the bad haircut, on 60 minutes. His questioning is very confrontational and not very informative. I don’t understand why PBO keeps giving him access. Besides his bad hair, he has a mouth like a guppy.
This anal orifice keeps interrupting the Presideht too. Arrrggghhh!

I agree yardam,
This guy has been rude to PBO since he won the presidency and yet PBO was gracious enough to give him access to his family which he rarely does when he was running. I wish there was some way we could let the whitehouse let somebody else on CBc interview him rather than his ass hole. I have sent numerous emails to CBS 60 minutes that I do not appreciate the unprofessional way he interviews our PBO. Maybe for people on twitter could give him a tongue lashing. This is his 3ed interview with PBO that he has been unjournalistic.

Steve Kroft is doing a lousy job. He doesn’t report on the GOP obstruction of EVERYTHING PBO proposes. He makes it sound as though the GOP has been at the negotiating table and PBO is the tantrum throwing child. He then snidely asked PBO, “What have you accomplished?” Uh….. saving the fucking economy? creating and saving 3 million jobs? repealing DADT? implementing ACA? Wall street reform? Ending the Iraq war?

Can I just say I hate Michelle Obama? I’m half her age and my skin doesn’t look as dewy (good). LOL. No wonder the prez looks at her every time like it’s the first time. A girl can only hope she finds a man 1/2 as great as POTUS. LOL.

Guys, this is how POTUS wants an interview. People don’t respect “softball” questions and he knows that. They want the hard questions asked which is exactly what Kroft is doing. POTUS knows what the questions are going to be and wants to answer those “tough” questions. I am looking forward to how he answers the question on the issue of no prosecution (so far)of Wall Street bankers, which came up last week on 60 Minutes

Thank you. I think the president is served well by a more combative interview, as opposed to one that is just chucking softballs at him. Bottom line is that the president is at 40-something %, with too many folks giving our president the side-eye (if you know what I mean). I think an interview that is tough gives credibility to what the president is saying as he slams back Kroft’s nonsense.

exactly. We can’t live in a bubble and with his job approval low, he has to answer those questions which is why he chooses this venue to “talk” to the American people. POTUS is using CBS more that CBS is using POTUS. CBS allows it to end with POTUS saying he’s going to keep at it and he and the American people will win this one.

Agreed forus50. PBO is smart,confident, and always,AWLAYS, gives Americans the benefit of being just as smart and confident in knowing the difference in what we hear and what we ACTUALLY see and KNOW to be TRUTH. I love this about him. He just keeps the long game in focus, and he keeps moving forward.

No one gets mad when PBO gets asked tough questions. That’s a good thing because he can highlight his accomplishments. What pisses me off is when an interviewer like Kroft GOP shills for the whole fucking interview. There was nothing informative about his questions. He implied that PBO never negotiated with the GOP and never compromised. That’s not a tough informative question; that’s outright BS. When Kroft implies that PBO isn’t prosecuting Wall Street because of his ties to them, that’s not a tough informative question; that’s complete BS. When Kroft implies that making the 1% pay their fair is class warfare not about math, that’s not a tough informative question; that’s BS. When Kroft implies that PBO is deathly afraid of Mitt Romney, that’s not a tough informative question; that’s complete BS. When Kroft implies that PBO has accomplished nothing in almost 3 years, that’s not a tough informative question; that’s complete BS.

ut – you are correct. Those are false arguments, assumptions, statements that Kroft brought up. But he was bringing them up because that is what some in the media, some lukewarm supporters, some people who don’t follow politics AT ALL but vote; those are the questions they have; legitimate or not. Someone who doesn’t follow the deficit debate or the health care debate are wondering, “hey, when are we going to get out of this hole and what have you done and what will you do” and why should I vote for you again? If 3 our of 4 people think the country is going in the wrong direction, POTUS needed a forum to be able to say what he would do. And a combative interview is a MUCH better forum that a speech.

Just to add to that; I’m not sure when this is asked what is in the person’s mind. To me, if I was asked that, I would want to say aside from POTUS, pretty much no one in leadership is leading. Congress is the worst in my lifetime and I’m not happy with the pace of what the US and the world is doing on climate change. There should be a follow-up question; who do you consider most responsible for the right/wrong direction?

I’m sick of these dam polls. Do these people think those radical Tea Republicans are going to take us in the right direction? Maybe if the Republicans weren’t blocking everything, maybe if Congress were doing something to help instead of destroy, we would be heading in the right direction. I’m sick of these polls.

There is combative, and there is structurally true interviewing. Combative makes Kroft look like Fox, and even though PBO was ready, per usual, for the nonsense, I perceived him still to be a little peeved at the childish attempts at painting him a failure. We need more intelligent, less snide interviewers, if any one can be found these days. That interview left me wondering what the proposed purpose was.

You’re right utaustin. Steve Kroft wasn’t giving a tough interview – he was giving a petty interview. However, his incompetence was mitigated by PBO’s brilliance and sincerity and I think an honest viewer got what he/she needed from PBO.

It is ironic that those who advocate these phony ‘tough’, ‘combative’ interviews for President Obama, never question why no other person gets those sort of interviews…

Not any previous Presidents even as they make the rounds touting and selling their memoirs after pretty much setting the stage for every disastrous circumstance and problems President Obama inherited…

No such interviews for the much touted crop of crappy GOP presidential wannabes who are advocating returning us to those same policies and positions that almost pushed this country over the edge and practically destroyed us…

Exactly. And is the reason I didn’t watch. If Kroft had been any other way, I would have been surprised. I so agree with UT. I never have a problem with the hard questions. It’s the BS that pisses me off. There are ways to ask questions that suggest there are people who believe something that is not fact based. Based on reading comments hear, evidently that’s not how Kroft handled the interview. It sounds more like “when did you last beat your wife”.

Thank you alice. Sorry that it’s not me. i took my pic off a coupla days ago. i figured i’d scared enough of you. :-) My avatar today is Carl Breashers Chief Master Diver. The movie Men of Honor is his bio. We served during the same time. He stayed; i didn’t.

There was a lack of regulations, oversight and accountability during the Bush administration. Bottom line, how do you prosecute legalized gambling? As President Obama said that’s exactly why we needed the Dodd-Frank legislation to prevent another financial meltdown. But the Republican Party is now blocking the implementation just because they don’t like the idea of the American people having a watchdog looking out for THEM. Meanwhile their friends in the financial community has all the lobbyists they need to do their bidding.

Also, I was glad he schooled Steve Kroft on the fact that the EXECUTIVE branch done not weigh in on prosecutions. That is the responsibility of the Justice Department. And by the way they have to make their case with solid evidence of guilt.

Why won’t he perpwalk them!!!

========================

And so we have – or at least had – prior to the Dodd-Frank Act – legalized gambling, bribery and dark-alley trading.

forus50….I don’t think that PBO was looking for an easy interview. What I take offense to in Steve Kroff’s posing of a question…was his prefacing EVERY SINGLE QUESTION or ACCUSATION with a RW talking point! PBO’S a big boy, he doesn’t need soft ball questions, but he could have had a much different conversation about these issues if he was just asked about all these issues straight up…..instead of the condescending way he was….yes, i thought that they WERE condescending. I liked the way he answered that question about Wall St…by telling him that as awful and dangerous as Wall Street behaved, it was LEGAL! Thus, no prosecutions.

Forus, I think you’re right. Our president is not afraid of any question and even encourages audiences to ask the tough ones. He gets the answers out that people need to hear if they were harboring doubts in their minds. He knew perfectly well going into this that Kroft was a jerk, but he did it on purpose to show he doesn’t retreat from the tough ones. He will continue to do this throughout the campaign and will show on many, many occasions that he’s strong, positive and cannot be intimidated. Contrast this to the way that the R candidates always whine about tough questions (Katie Couric?) and media bias. PBO has more right to complain against media bias than anyone, but he will NEVER do it.

Good—in the latest attack re. Wall Street by Kroft, President Obama replied that his charge just was not true, as Kroft made the Repub. case. And Obama is having to enlighten him with the facts and saying “the math is the math”. PBO is making his case brilliantly now. Kroft perseveres with his condemnations, it’s an attempt at a solid shaming. He’s saying that Obama was “stared down by Boehner”—-Obama saying, “Steve, you have to get your stories straight.”

Kroft is a bloody fool. He calls the President the great compromiser, then in the same breath says he doesn’t come to the table and compromise enough with the republicans. Thank goodness PBO called him out on his BS.

I am feeling a strong desire to punch Kroft in the face—-now asking if he and Michelle ever discuss him not running for a 2nd term. Obama replies —-not that Michelle is so enamoured of me running for president, but that they both feel that he needs to try to continue to right the ship, that it’s important for the country.

President Obama did the best he could with that and made some great piercing points, but that was ugly by Kroft. I am angry, but my husband just came in from watching in the other room, and he said, “I am calm now.(he was at the Bears game) Obama makes me feel calm.” He said no matter what accusatory question thrown at him, he answered pointedly, brilliantly, with the truth, in a calm, clear manner. He also added that he can’t see any of the Repubs even coming close to him in a debate.

The average American who is not a HUGE supporter of POTUS will have liked that interview. Hard hitting but good questions and straight answers. HUGE supporters like us are of course defensive of any criticism of any of his work.

I agree. It has taken me a while but I’ve learned to be much less defensive when I watch interviews and tv shows, although I’m not gonna lie, it’s hard and sometimes the talking heads go too far…like Matthews’ comments about a month ago on Alex Witt’s show.

Its not because you are a supporter, its because you follow politics much closer than the average viewer. The questions tick you off because you read and saw what was happening while it was happening. So to hear Kroft, a so-called journalist who followed the same events, tell a completely different story makes you mad.

But Kroft isn’t aiming his segment at we newsheads. He’s doing it to people who get their news in dribs and drabs. Yes, it pisses me off, but just look at how easily PBO gets his points across. It’s a thing of beauty, and very necessary for the coming year.

I agree. People who are on the fence about the Prez don’t want softball questions. They want questions regarding the state of the economy and how the Prez will help them whether it’s housing/jobs/education..etc. PBO has always been great when he has had to answer tough questions. A huge reason people overcame his “newness” was the way he was able to bat down questions with clarity and ease during those Presidential Debates.

I’m calling BS on that interview. I know average voters and even they pointed out to me that there was too much GOP shilling in the interview. It wasn’t filled with tough questions, it was filled with GOP BS and there’s no other way to spin it. Yes, PBO handled himself brilliantly but those weren’t good questions. A 3rd grader could have done a better job. Kroft was carrying GOP water and there’s no other way to put it.

UT, I am with Desertflower as well. It was not a good interview. It was Kroft ‘framing his talking points’ for his GOP BS and his CBS clowns. Thank God, we have a brilliant POTUS who did not buy into his crap. I have no use for Steve Kroft as a journalist. He is not a good journalist. My goodness, he was interviewing the President of the United States. A Thinker of all times. What is heck was that mess? HZ

It’s interesting though, that the ‘average voters’ you know picked up on the BS. That’s a good thing, right? And that probably happened because they were directly able to contrast POTUS’ answers with the BS questions. No doubt it would be better for all if straightforward questions were being asked, but POTUS knows that people hear these talking points all the time and many aren’t getting his message any other way, so this was a good forum for him.

I also totally agree Ut, there is a difference in “strong hard hitting questions” and disrespectful, smug talking points that overlook the REASON for the interview. If all kroft wanted to do was push g-no-p talking points, he has other shows to do it on. He was speaking to the President of the United States and if he can’t respect the man, he could have at least given him the same measure of “respect” he gave w. And even though President Obama made his points, he shouldn’t have to answer within the frame they were given. All kroft had to do was ask fair, UN-BIASED and tough questions and I, for one, would not have had this complaint. That this president has continual media blackout and when he is “on air”, it just ends up being bs talking points. Low info voters may or may not want the type of answers he gave, the point was in the framing of the questions, period.

You’re probably right, forus. It’s just tough watching sometimes, especially knowing most of the facts, knowing that the accusations are unfair. I feel like someone is being mean to someone in my family, and I feel defensive, like pie in the face defensive. (not as mature and calm as Obama)

Watching PBO decimate Kroft’s BS and GOP shilling made me even more determined to see he’s reelected. PBO just got more voters after listing his accomplishments, highlighting unprecedented GOP obstruction, & pointing out the abysmal nature of the media.

I have a different take on the interview. PBO wanted the hard questions and answered all his critics. Kroft has always been his go to guy from the beginning way back in early 2007. PBO’s smile takes all the stings away and he slaps back cool and calmly.
He ended the interview by saying “I’m a persistent son of a gun. I’m just going to keep at it.” Then a small smile….and it was over.
Now compare his intelligent answers to the clown show last night. wow.

I thought it was a good interview as well. He was able to clear a lot of air, appear strong, yet charismatic, and he defended himself without sounding petty. I thought it was pitch perfect…Kroft was being an antagonist of sorts, for the president to work off of.

This. No matter what’s thrown at PBO, he knows how to work it to his advantage. The viewing audience got to hear his answers, no matter how lame and GOP-SLANTED the questions. Is Kroft a brilliant interviewer? HELL NO! In the end, President Obama comes out looking self-assured, goal oriented, and ready to continue TCB. LOVE MY PRESIDENT!

I was really angry the other day when I saw the preview but I realized, especially after forus50’s comments that this type of interview is exactly what PBO wanted—he can’t ignore what some people may feel and he isn’t afraid of the tough questions, or even a combative interviewer or a combative opponent. I liked his comment about Newt…”he’s good on TV”—-subtle dig of him being superficial. I appreciate everyone’s comments because this interview shows that he is prepared to fight and not scared of anyone…..”a persistent son of a gun”, indeed.

X2. You are so right. You can always tell if POTUS is irritated with an interviewer (which is rare) but he was liking these false arguments that Kroft brought up (as they regularly appear in the media). This is really the only way he can legitamely have them brought up to knock them down.

I agree he wants the tough questions, I don’t think he wants the questions to be based on lies. One way or another, he took care of Kroft in his usual master way. If the econimy gets just a little better, he’ll win in a landslide.

Yes. As I agreed with another comment up above, POTUS can’t be accused of getting softball treatment. He answers the type of crap they throw around on Fox all the time and looks better and better after every GOP clown show.

And the GOP will have a lot more chances to help POTUS by beating each other up and trying to be the most conservative Conservative to appease their crazy wing.

On the west, so I will watch in a few hours. However, Kroft changed his style of interviewing President Obama as soon as he became President. I have little respect for these people, but I have total respect for President Obama, so that is why I watch.

It is sad that these so called journalists try to ruin a great president. They could be making real history in a manner that has never been made before, yet they constantly side with the ineptness of their profession by trying to disrespect President Obama.

With all of the important and historical events that are now taking place in our nation as well as on the global side, they still refuse to address these important issues when they sit down with this President. It is shameful. The younger generation is missing out on some wonderful aspects of this presidency because of these rude and shameful irresponsible journalists.

That is what saddens my heart. But these guys just can’t get beyond their petty ugly attitudes to get to the important issues and discuss them with President Obama is an intelligent manner. What makes a great interview, in my opinion , is not only the questions, but the person that you are interviewing. That is how you choose your questions of topic. What better subject would Kroft want, than President of the United States of America, Barack Obama.

They will never choose to get it. But we understand President Obama enough to know the real questions and we have our answers. They forget that he is the President of all the people, so the questions should not be slanted to just one element of the listening audience. That is what makes a great interview.

I pray that I will live to read for myself the best interviews still yet to come….those written and told by our 44th President, Barack H. Obama!!!!! That will be something, indeed.HZ

That interview was pure BS by Kroft. I’ve never been mad at Kroft’s interviews before but this just takes the cake. It’s one thing to ask tough informative questions, it’s another to constantly interrupt and GOP shill all throughout the interview and imply over and over again that PBO is a failure. Yes, PBO handled himself beautifully but Kroft was an asshole. I know average voters who watched the interview and yes they liked how PBO handled himself but they were also pissed at how much GOP shilling Kroft was doing. Pure and utter crap!

Again, I am telling you all, they must, must have statistics that say their viewers are mostly older white males.
You know, the republican base. It just does not make sense to think otherwise. Me thinks, The President should also do tv , who would otherwise be friendly interviews-

He does friendly interviews as well. He was interviewed by Rev Al, by the guy during the Veteran’s Day sporting event, and he has gone on local tv networks in which the interviewers are much more positive and respectful. Which is why he continues to poll better than the so-called frontrunners of the GOP even in swing states like Florida and red states like Arizona and South Carolina!

Kroft was more combative that normal; however the last segment was the best. When he asked the questions about “disappointed” supporters. Kroft actually said that the Republicans didn’t give up anything. I saw the interview as a win for President Obama because Kroft asked all the questions that I thought the American people wanted to asked. President Obama was able to answer each with the clarity that he always does.

You know, I see these interviews now and don’t get mad. Pretty much because I can anticipate the questions that are going to be lobbed at the President. I also feel that he as well anticipates the questions as well and is very adept in swatting them back down to earth. We all need to get used to these interviews. As unfair as these interviews may seem to us, these interviews are not really for us. They are for the public on the fence and on the conservative side as well. The fence sitters to show that President Obama isn’t afraid of answering tough questions nor gets frazzled by them. It is for the conservatives, because it shows them that their lies and taunts that Barack Obama is afraid of his record and will run from it are not based in reality and also makes the opponents on the other side not look ready for prime time. I mean can anyone here honestly after that tough and rigorous interview believe that Mitt Romney or Newt Gingrich could frazzle the president. More than likely, I believe that he will frazzle them first. Which one will it be though, Jittery Mitt, or Molotov Coctail Newt.

Thanks chips- I have been warching football today.
Wow- tell me the President does not have beautiful kids? They are so wonderful!
Michelle and POTUS look like they are having fun.
Somebody said they don’t celebrate x mas. Me thinks, they love them some Kris Kringle and Mrs Claus too!

As much as I think Steve Kroft carries GOP water, I liked the interview. PBO knows how to push back on the lies. I believe the interview is a win for independents and people who have been living under a rock and have no idea what he’s accomplished so far.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOH…THANK YOU FOR THE PIX…THEY ALL LOOK SOOOOO AWESOME AND MY FAVORITE JENNIFER HUDSON IS THERE! I HOPE THAT DESPITE ALL THE GOP OBSTRUCTION…THAT OUR FIRST FAMILY HAS A PEACEFUL,BEAUTIFUL,LOVING,AMAZING CHRISTMAS. THEY CERTAINLY DESERVE IT!

Hahahahaha. He was probably thinking “uh no young lady…..that “innocent” looking young man has a paternity suit lurking in the background” He probably also told Bieber: “if you look at my daughter; two words: Predator Drones.”

Tough questions allow the President to give tough answers. He doesn’t have to pull punches when asked direct, pointed questions about his job and the GOP obstruction. Asked serious questions, he can give serious answers. Juxtapose this with Romney whining about the interview with Baier on Fox, and then juxtapose this with the Republican clown show debate from last night that was talked about on the Sunday morning shows.

This also sets the tone for any interview CBS might do with Newt or Romney – they can’t loft up softballs after asking the tough questions of the President. I expect we could see Pres. Obama do NBC and ABC sit down interviews sooner than later as well.

One of my favorite parts of the 60 minutes interview was the portion of his Kansas speech he gave and CBS panned the audience of mostly older white people standing up applauding his speech. For the CBS viewing audience, I felt that was important. Some people actually believe only people of color and young people come hear him speak. That visual alone I think was worth the interview.

Chipsticks has raised, towards the reelection of our president $7,404.00 in god knows how long and that is from 291 donors at @ $25.44 per person. The question is; how can we get to the $10,000 mark since we know who has that much ready to give up in no time flat just for kicks.

I am donating to Chips’ fundraiser towards the reelection of our president $50 and some of that is for the ones that cannot. Thank you Chips for all that you do.

I hope that my future grandchildren don’t see this but Kroft can go fuck himself. I cannot forget when that asshole asked President Obama if he was “Punk Drunk”.

I’m with you utaustin. We all know how well PBO answers the hard questions. Hell, he lives a hard life as President to a bunch of nincompoop countrymen and women. That was never the point, which is that the questions were childish, unrevealing, snide and the same tone as we hear constantly in the msm, and by which they run these polls. For once, I would love to see a real journalist ask sophisticated questions, leading with real, not manufactured “facts” on nationwide TV. I do not want soft-ball questions either….just those which would allow PBO to highlight what he has done, in addition to what he finds still as challenges.

Ut, it makes my heart glad that you are so passionate and supportive for our POB. But if I can just interject here, maybe it will help. I am new here, but I attended a powerful rally Friday night in New Jersey, Women for Obama. Congressman Payne among other local elected officials were there. Just like you and others I really want to reach out and hurt somebody when they openly tell lies about our POB. But after the event, I left there more positive than ever knowking that we had first hand knowledge that our President is very upbeat, positive and full knows what is going on behind the scences. The Congressman informed us that our President needs us to stay focused, strong and yes, vote. But we need to educate more and more people on all the hard work that our President is doing for us.

I cannot watch anyone tell lies about POB, so I just come here and read the comments. You guys are much better journalists and very informed on everything and everybody. The Congressman has a lot of respect for the President and we had a great turn out……more events to come and people were so fired up and 100 % got the President’s back…..He shared a lot of positive information with us. The best sleep that I have had in a long while.

Goodevening everyone. I just love the pics Chipsticks. The FLOTUS looks beautiful as always, Prez looks very handsome and distinguised. Sasha looks like the cutest purple ballerina and I feel like Malia is ready for a 60’s party in that pretty yellow dress.

Steve Kroft: One of the things that surprised me the most about this poll is that when asked who your policies favor the most, 42 percent said Wall Street. Only 35 percent said average Americans. My suspicion is, some of that may have to do with the fact that there’s not been any prosecutions, criminal prosecutions, of people on Wall Street. And that the civil charges that have been brought have often resulted in what many people think have been a slap on the wrist, fines. Are you disappointed by that?

President Barack Obama: You know, I can’t, as President of the United States, comment on the decisions about particular prosecutions. That’s the job of the Justice Department. And we keep those things separate, so that there’s no political influence on decisions made by professional prosecutors. I can tell you, just from 40,000 feet, that some of the most damaging behavior on Wall Street, in some cases, some of the least ethical behavior on Wall Street, wasn’t illegal. That’s exactly why we had to change the laws. And that’s why we put in place the toughest financial reform package since F.D.R. and the Great Depression.

The implementation of those reforms is still being fought over, with the banking industry and the Republican leadership trying to limit their scope. Just another symptom of the political standoff that has paralyzed Congress since the negotiations to raise the debt ceiling and reduce the deficit began last summer.

he said said that was why we have new Wall Street reform. The DOJ is an INDEPENDENT department from his administration. Until the new reforms “What that did was NOT illegal”. He does not know all the facts but, that was his assessment from 40,000 ft. That question came from last weeks in depth report on Wall Street and a law I cannot remember the name of.

“This is the season to celebrate miracles. This is the season to celebrate how, more than 2000 years ago, a child was born to two faithful travelers, who could find rest only in a stable with cattle, and sheep. He was no ordinary child. He was the manifestation of God’s love. Every year we celebrate his birth because the story of Jesus Christ changed the world. For me and for millions of Americans, the story has filled our hearts and inspired our lives. It moves us to love one another, to help and serve those less fortunate, to forgive, to draw close to our families, to be grateful for all that has been given to us. To keep faith, and to hold on to an enduring hope in humanity. Service to others; compassion to all; treating others as we wish ourselves to be treated — those values aren’t just at the center of Christianity. Those are values that are shared by all faiths. So tonight let us all rededicate ourselves to each other, and in that spirit, from my family to yours: Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.”

The President captured the very essence of what Jesus Christ is recorded to have said while on earth, in a few short passages. For Christians – and even for members of other faiths who respect the message – what Jesus said was so easy to understand and easy to try to emulate. “Love one another” was the main message of all.

It’s rare that any one, let alone any president, has so beautifully expressed the spirit of Christianity, which is what we’re really celebrating at Christmas. The manifestation of God’s love–how hard it is to remember that and how central that is to everything. In a few words he said it all–if you focus on the love, no matter what your faith–you’ll act of out of it and as a result you’ll help and serve others. What a contrast to those who bleat about their religious faith but always act ugly and destructive. Our president walks the walk.

The one and only time I was ever in Brooklyn – and I fell passionately in love with the place – I met my first firefly. I was like: “WTF? What is that glowing winged freak nutjob monster hovering around me?!?!”

I was very frightened.

But the laughter around me suggested there was nothing to worry about.

I read the comments about kroft interview. Haven’t seen myself. But I agree that tough interviews (or gop talking points interviews, if you prefer) are a good debate prep for the President. So let’s take it in our stride just like PBO does.

U.S. online sales in the holiday season to date are up 15 percent to $24.6 billion, according to comScore.

The research firm said Sunday sales on six individual days during the first 39 days of the November-to-December shopping season have exceeded $1 billion, led by Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving, when sales hit $1.25 billion.

Sales in the most recent week ended Dec. 9 rose 15 percent to $5.9 billion, the Reston, Va., company said.

“As we enter what will be the heaviest week of the season for online retailers — beginning with `Green Monday’ on Dec. 12 — all signs are now pointing to a strong finish to the season,’’ comScore Chairman Gian Fulgoni said.

Over the past six years, “Green Monday’’ — a term coined by eBay Inc. and traditionally the second Monday of December — has consistently ranked among the top spending days of the season, although it is no longer the top online spending day.

That’s great news Jovie. I really think one of the best things we can do for the President is go shopping. (This is the one thing George Bush said that I thought was ridiculous at the time and then changed my mind about later.)
Shop local and buy American.

Oh, I forgot……Michelle, Michelle, those arms are too fierce! The straps just accentuate the positive…. Wow! What a knock out dress and she wears it well. I just ate my last homemade chocolate chip cookie and Christmas is two weeks away……HELP!

Just thinking aloud but, I don’t think that President Obama would have even considered a second term if Michelle wasn’t on board. They are very intuned with each other and I am sure that this has been discussed and planned.

Well, I only saw the first part of the 60 Minutes interview because I mostly recorded the game (ha!), but it was fine from my perspective.

There was something about the way that the President took total control and responded that makes me think he doesn’t see Kroft as the enemy. In fact, I think there’s a bit of camaraderie between the two of them, belied by the questions Kroft asks. Kroft was nodding a lot and seemed to cozy up to the President in the beginning, while “acting” like a tough interviewer after that. After all, it’s his job to ask hard questions (we have forgotten what that looks like) – not like all of the other kid reporters who ask childlike, unintellectual questions. Seemed to me as though the President would welcome his professionalism, rather than something “soft” and without any basis or usefulness. Since I’m good with that part, I’m not going to look for the rest of the interview to burst my bubble!

Plus, I don’t think the President would walk into a lion’s den with any trepidation, so I don’t think any of it got to him. He was able to tell 60 Minutes viewers (I’m pretty sure that’s mostly an older crowd) the TRUTH in all cases, and that will go a long way in getting his message out, which is why he does these interviews.

I noticed their camaraderie too. There’s mutual respect there. The a few other things I like about this 60 minutes video. I posted upthread that the median age of the viewer is 60 and that the show attracts high turnout Democrats. Kroft is asking the questions that are probably being asked of this voting bloc by their wary Democratic friends and the President is giving them the direct responses they can use to shore them up.

The other part of this interview I enjoyed is that some of the same events that we often complain do not get full coverage by the media did in fact get covered in this 60 minutes program. The bursts of ovation and the general thrust of the Osawatomie, Kansas got a fair hearing on this show. He is able to get his message out directly:

“[Obama in Kansas: This is a make or break moment for the middle class and for all those who are fighting to get into the middle class. Because what’s at stake is whether this will be a country where working people can earn enough to raise a family, build a modest savings, own a home, secure their retirement.]

The president, in laying out the broad themes for his re-election bid, said the system has been rigged against the middle class. And he blamed the Republicans for fighting tougher regulations on the financial industry and opposing higher taxes for the wealthy.”

I can’t imagine CNN or Fox or CNBC allowing a fair hearing like that.

Look at how Fox deals with wealth inequality:

“In an era where the wealthy are being targeted for their success, Romney’s wealth is being seen as a potential vulnerability even though he has made a point of courting middle-class America.”

What the…? Does Fox News and the people that tune into them actually think that what is going on? Resentment over success?

So in a media environment or GOP water carriers like the Washington Press Corps, CNN, professionally disappointed lefties on MSNBC and the completely out of touch Fox, this 60 minutes interview gave the President to address everything nagging question out there and get his message out.

I prefer interviews where they ask the tough questions and raise the latest “kerfluffle”. That gives the President the opportunity to address the issues head on. No need to preach to the choir. We are singing the same song. It is critical to get others to hear it themselves.

Hope he continues to get those opportunities.

And you are right jacquelineoboomer – the President is quite comfortable walking into any environment and can address any issues from any perspective. He really shines in those situations.

Just kidding, Proud. I was a Washington Intern (a long, long time ago when I was a senior in college–believe it or not, I interned in Sen. Richard Shelby’s office — before he became a turncoat Republican–yuck! )

But yes, that is one sexy dress that FLOTUS is wearing. And that is one sexy POTUS that she is standing next to, along with their two beautiful daughters.

LOL that is funny. No this is not Monica even though as a female white house intern I heard all the jokes. My name is Ashley. I interned at the White House this past spring it was a blast I spent eight months there and did not want to leave. I live not to far me Donna Dem. Are you still in DC? Whoever is lucky enough to have dinner with POTUS and FLOTUS will be extremely lucky I have met them both and they are so down to earth. I remember the first time I met the First Lady said hey and shook my hand…I still don’t know if I said anything back I starstruck.

Hi Ashley. No, I’m no longer in D.C. I was there as a summer intern almost three DECADES ago! :shock: I graduated from the University of AL, worked as a journalist out of state for a few years, and returned to Alabama where I met my husband and started a family of three. Two of my kids are now young adults and my youngest son is a senior in high school. (I think that pretty much dates me). ;)

It must be nice to have interned in the White House and to have actually met the Obamas. I’ve never actually visited the White House, and I can only imagine what it must feel like to meet POTUS and FLOTUS personally. I almost had a chance to see President Obama in person in 2007 when he and then Sen. Clinton visited my state to celebrate the anniversary of the historic walk across the Edmund Pettus Bridge–which is just a little over an hour from where I live. I’m still kicking myself for not going to that event. :( At the time, I really didn’t even know who “BARACK OBAMA” was and had pretty much decided I was gonna vote for Hillary. Ultimately, I cast my vote for President Obama and the rest is history. Now, I hope to get my chance to meet both him and beautiful Michelle personally someday. To my husband’s dismay, I just LUV President Obama. :):):)

Just getting back in and caught up. I saw the HGTV “Christmas at the White House” special and it was lovely. The volunteers were awesome, the theme “Shine, Share, Give” was heartwarming, and the focus on honoring military families was so appropriate (and so Obamas). The House was gorgeous and Bo was the handsome star of the show. Loved it.

Our First Family looks splendid in these pics. I love when Michelle wears the side swoop bang, it always looks so pretty. PBO looks so proud to be surrounded by his lovely ladies, and who can blame him?

I look forward to viewing the 60 Minutes interview. I think he shines in “tough” interviews, and I’m sure he handled it, as usual.

It made me cry it was so poignant..thanks desertflower~ I love Gerri Hall..She’s a prime example of what Keith Humphreys was talking about when he said African Americans could understand what this President has and is going through.

“The U.S., long accused of blocking progress in international climate talks, is winning a two-decade old debate about how to curtail global warming.

The decision yesterday by China and India to move toward an agreement with the “legal force” to limit their fossil fuel emissions marked the first step toward treating developing nations the same as industrial ones when it comes to reducing pollution.

President Barack Obama, and George W. Bush before him, had pushed for that parity after the Senate refused to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, which limits greenhouse gases for industrial nations. Developing nations such as China and India had no commitments under Kyoto.

Developing nations led by China and India pledged they’d work toward an agreement that would limit their fossil fuel emissions for the first time, the biggest advance in the fight against global warming in 14 years.

Fifty years later, there is a black man in the White House and Hall is firmly rooted in the middle class, with a nice home in a leafy neighborhood, a pension from her 30-year job at General Motors and enough savings to help her grown son buy a starter place of his own.

“Things have definitely gotten better,” she allows, “in terms of tolerance and coexistence and people getting along.”

Hall is not, however, satisfied. For the next year, she has one overriding goal: to see that President Obama wins a second term, to show his victory was no fluke, to silence his critics and give him more time to implement the policies she sees thwarted, heedlessly and incessantly, by his Republican foes.

Like many black Americans, Hall, 60, looks at the president and sees a reflection of herself: joys and triumphs but also challenges and adversity, a good part of it, she suggests, owing to the color of his skin. “When we look at President Obama, we can relate to what he’s experiencing because of the experiences in our own backgrounds,” Hall says over lunch at an Irish-themed restaurant, where she stands out as one of the few black patrons.

This has been a hugely busy week for me and this coming week also. Thank goodness I can check in every now and then to see what is going on. I haven’t been able to catch up on all the past posts, but I did read all the comments here only after I started watching my dvr of the President’s interview. I got so mad I turned it off then I came here and read all the comments. I agree with everyone. I thought Kroft was very disrespetful. Now that I have calmed down maybe I can go back and listen to the President’s answers. I did listen to HGTV decorate the White House. That was wonderful.

Thanks to Chips and all of you for keeping the rest of informed. Even if we can’t participate we are here in spirit. I think I will run out and buy some cocoa butter! Off to bed!

On the subject of Holiday Festivities.. Here’s the White House Holiday Photo of the Day from ObamaFoodOrama..

Artisan American cheese served at holiday receptions…

“President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are hosting 15-17 holiday receptions for thousands of guest this season. Each features a beautiful series of buffets; led by Executive Chef Cris Comerford, the kitchen staff creates an amazing array of American regional foods for each event. The cheese platter on each buffet table spotlights Artisan American cheese. Fresh strawberries and grapes are on each platter, and it is accompanied by multigrain crackers. Serving bowls of dates, pecans, and walnuts are on the side. On this platter, the cheeses were identified with hand-written flags: from left are Fommer, St. Audre, Cheddar, Appalachian, and Goat. A wheel of brie is in the background.”

People are always going on and on about Duchess Kate’s smile (which I find truly lovely). Here, Michelle’s megawatt smile literally lights up the room! I am so appreciative to have the Obamas in the White House. May God Bless us, everyone!